The Braves front office is still settling down after the big black Friday deal of a franchise in winning the draft lottery. This does impact the course for next season, or at least will put more emphasis on getting some quality cards to go with this group.
Despite their arch-rivals being in the World Series, the Braves believe they can return to AL Central Supremacy. At least be closer than 20 games back.
To do this, however, the Braves will need to pick up some pieces.
Wants:
SP... a good card, age doesn't matter.
RP... 2 or 3 good relievers. Ideally one is a closer.
SS altho this likely will be addressed at the top of the draft.
3B vs RHP
OF vs LHP
C PT
Thats not asking for much, is it? Of course many of the pieces can be picked up in the draft... altho its too many to get only via the draft.
What do the Braves have:
Picks 42,72,132 this year. All picks next year.
Braves protection this year, yet to be determined tho AJ Smith-Shawver would likely be the choice.
Players: Guys who might help going forward, or fill a gap this year, Trevor Larnach(OF), Carter Kieboom(3B), Taylor Walls(IF utility), Jonathan Aranda(infield), Byron Buxton(tho hard to find his value, but willing to talk). Dylan Cease(SP)
As I have no intentions of stretching this contention run any further past reality, its time to rebuild.
We are pretty much a one shop stop for contenders, here are some of the bigger pieces:
Zach Eflin top of the rotation card - really tough on lefties. He has the B symbol and sadly the C, but that is not really a problem for a starter as it is far more important 7th inning on.
Merrill Kelly another top rotation card - solid vs both sides. T rated and R symbol to help keep the ball in the park.
Raisel Iglesias Closer - another solid year from him, T rated along with LF
Brandon Belt AV/16 at 1st, 199 card vs right with 5 power and no outs on the top of the card 97-279 are on-base numbers and the last 16 of the card are doubles. He can play every at-bat vs RHP regular season and playoffs.
Justin Turner VG/10 at 1st, Full Time, 5/4 power, T rated, better vs LHP this year but still decent vs RHP
Aaron Hicks can start in all 3 outfield spots, though defense is not the strength of the card. 5/3 power with 270 point card vs Lhp and 156 vs Rhp. 312 total PA and is not limited so can use them how you like in playoffs.
Willi Castro LF/VG/20-1, 3b/VG20 can also start in cf. 152/167 card with running of 8/9/5. He is my starting 3b so not likely to be traded but put it here in case someone really wants him
I am looking for top picks and young talent. I would need starts back if both starters are moved, 3b if Castro is moved, and some outfield if Hicks is moved. Lots of picks back to also be subbed to draft replacements. Have already had talks about some of these players.
While deals can't be completed, the phone lines are open :)
The Rays don't need to make to many moves.
Needs
-closer
-RP
-SP
Available
-draft picks - (16, 23, 46, 68, 76, 106, and 136)
-1B - Yuli Gurriel (VG/18) - solid vs LH. Not expensive
-Connor Joe - VG defense at 1B and LF. If traded would need a DH type vs RH or corner OF vs RH
I could probably just draft the things I need but thought I would look to see what's available.
The Reds are looking to contend for a playoff spot. I know it is early and many of you haven't even looked at next year yet. I just wanted to get the word out.
Looking to add a top end SP (any age or future) and a 1st baseman (since my Votto days are almost over). I could also look to swap my closer Alexis Diaz for an older closer with a better card.
What we have to trade.
The Reds have 3 first round picks and will consider moving a couple of them. All in all we have 6 picks (6, 9, 29 or 30, 39, 44, 86) that could be traded or used in pick swaps. The only players that I could consider moving at this time are Stone Garrett (VG in OF) sold card and Mitch Haniger OF (decent vs LH).
We don't have to trade as I could draft players to play these spots, but you might have a good idea on how we can make a deal to help us both. If I don't trade for items above I would consider moving down or up in the 1st round also.
The Dodgers are shopping the #2 pick of the draft.
Serious offers should include a 1st round pick this year and other value, more picks, players etc.
The Dodgers DON'T need 2B, 3B, or C...otherwise we likely could use anything you suggest. Short term needs are PAs @ SS and OF vs LH.
The Dodgers are also shopping Wade Miley either as part of a large trade involving the #2 or as stand alone.
What do the Nats need:
Another 1-2 type starter
A better RF than having to use O'Hearn
relief pitching
backup catcher
Upgrade at 2B
What the Nats have:
*All of our picks (25, 55, 85,115,145)
*Ryan O'Hearn (can start at 1B or OF) - looking to trade him in for a better defensive OF. VG/17 at 1st. Can start vs righties FT.
- Two nearly FT outfielders in Alex Call and Ramon Laureano. Good defense for both but offense is somewhat limited
- Nobody is truly off limits anymore as most of my best players aren't Nats or D'backs anymore.
The Rangers are looking at getting some starters. We are short 55 total starts. Thats 2 FT starters and a half time 5 man...
We will most likely look to address this need in the draft but we are open to offers.
We have picks 8, 27, 36, 57, 66, 97 and 98
We have:
Josh Donaldson-- Not FT vs LH and has 184 numbers, 98 of them are Home Runs. He also has a defense of VG/20 at 3rd. He isnt expensive but i do want equal value if i trade him.
Bullpen:
Hunter Harvey
Adam Ottavino
Gregory Soto
Brusdar Graterol (only in the right deal)
All picks and players listed are available. If you are curious about someone else on my team write me an email and we can chat.